[Mycobacterium malmoense infection of the flexor tendon sheath]

Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 1992 Jul;24(4):210-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Infections of the tendon sheath caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria are well known. So far, only one case involving Mycobacterium malmoense has been reported. The authors report of a 73-year old patient having undergone carpal tunnel release. In spite of granulomatous inflammation of the flexor tendon sheaths, there was no biopsy cultured for acid-fast bacteria. One year later, symptoms recurred and synovialectomy was repeated. In spite of macroscopic appearance of the synovialis and histological studies, a specific diagnosis was not yet made. Two weeks later, acid-fast bacteria, identified as M. malmoense were cultured in the BACTEC vial. Because specific treatment was not initiated, a further recurrence developed five months later, necessitating further surgery with synovialectomy. Properly treated with Rifampin and Ethambutal for twelve months, the patient has remained asymptomatic for the following two years.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / microbiology
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / microbiology
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / surgery*
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / isolation & purification
  • Reoperation
  • Surgical Wound Infection / microbiology
  • Surgical Wound Infection / surgery*
  • Synovitis / microbiology
  • Synovitis / surgery*
  • Tenosynovitis / microbiology
  • Tenosynovitis / surgery*